Definition
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is a security mechanism that requires users to verify their identity through two or more independent credentials before gaining access to a system or application. These credentials usually fall into three categories: something you know (like a password or PIN), something you have (such as a smartphone or hardware token), and something you are (biometric data like fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice recognition). By requiring multiple factors, MFA provides a stronger assurance that the user is who they claim to be.